Northwest to southeast

From what we have gathered in recent discoveries, the direction of all bore holes are in northwest direction and no holes in Southeast direction? Is it typical to only drill in one direction? From what we have found some wells are drilled in both directions? Almost like a spiders legs would appear maybe four bores one way NW and four the other SE. Just seems odd to only drill one direction. Thanks for any input

Replies to This Discussion

My experience with Marcellus wells in north central PA.....they always drill to either the NNW (NW) or SSE (SE) in every well plat I have reviewed.

It was explained to me....this gets the best results during the fracing process....either with or against the rocks' grain. I don't know if that is true or if this person was pulling my leg....but the direction from the pad is consistent in NC PA.

Almost all shale plays have a predominant direction in which the naturally occurring fissures exist or are deemed to form under elevated (fracturing) pressure.

Operators try to intersect these fissures at a 90 degree angle to maximize the number of induced 'cracks' through which the oil/gas will flow to the wellbore when the 'cracks' are effectively propped open.

180 degree direction is usually due to topside considerations.

Completion technology has improved to an almost unimaginable extent these past 5 years with more precise targeting, real time microseismic monitoring of fractures, degradable diverters- both near wellbore and far field - with which to control the geometry of the SRV (Stimulated Reservoir Volume), and the recent introduction or micro proppants.

This last is especially intriguing as these ultra small particles enter and scour tiny fissures so the bigger 100 mesh can enter and prop.

There are several other things going on, but operators are generally close mouthed as these techniques are considered highly proprietary.

Thanks coffeeguyzz, is it just me or wouldn’t drilling both directions be more cost effective, doesn’t make much sense to drill one set as seen on map and leave the remaining ones for later? There are over 30 bore holes shown on map yet only 11 permitted and drilled, or maybe that’s part of the strategy now to have less pads but drill more bores on existing pads in both directions at different dates or as needed?

General basin trend for natural fractures is NE-SW, wellbore cuts this going SE-NW, now fracturing can open & prop natural fracture.

One aspect of wellbore orientation is the type artificial lift for liquid recovery later on. To remove liquids efficiently and allow unimpeded gas flow, a toe up borehole (NW) will drain toward the heel were lift equipment is easily positioned from the vertical wellbore. A toe down completion would require running tubing to the toe thru the horizontal section. This will be more expensive. Again, this is just one of many conflicting considerations for wellbore orientations. Dry gas production much less impacted, but water and oil production more so.

Events

About

What makes this site so great? Well, I think it's the fact that, quite frankly, we all have a lot at stake in this thing they call shale. But beyond that, this site is made up of individuals who have worked hard for that little yard we call home. Or, that farm on which blood, sweat and tears have fallen.[ Read More ]